Trump vs Biden: 2024 Election Hinges on Jan. 6 Reality
TL/DR –
Donald Trump and Joe Biden are using the threat to democracy as a central theme in their campaign strategies for the election, each painting the other as a menace to the nation’s constitution. Trump has faced 91 felony charges, many in relation to his attempt to hold onto power, and continues to falsely dispute the results of the 2020 election. The former president’s tactics have resonated with his supporters, while the majority of Democrats believe Trump has broken public trust, with 93% of likely Democratic voters in a New York Times/Siena College poll believing he committed serious federal crimes.
Presidential Candidates Biden and Trump Spar over Democracy
President Biden has sternly accused his political rival Donald Trump of willingness to violate the Constitution, turning him into a significant threat to democracy. Trump, in return, has audaciously portrayed Biden as the true menace to the nation’s foundational pillars. This marks the third anniversary of the attack on the Capitol where Trump supporters stormed in support of their candidate. Read about Biden’s address here.
Potential Rematch Painted as a Battle for the Future of Democracy
Trump and Biden’s keenness to paint each other as imminent threats signifies a potential rematch to be framed as an existential fight for democracy’s future. This election’s central issues will be the economy, abortion rights, and the candidates’ ages. Both men argue that the country’s 250-year-old system of government’s survival is at stake.
Biden’s Campaign Focuses on the Strength of American Democracy
Biden’s campaign aims to throw light on the long-standing peaceful transfer of power tradition, contrasting George Washington’s decision to step down from office with Trump disputing the 2020 race results. The president’s team describes the speech as the first in a campaign series that will depict the impending election as a struggle for democracy survival.
Trump’s Strategy – Deflection and Projection
Trump, facing 91 felony charges, often defines threats to democracy as any situation threatening his presidency path. He has accused Biden and his allies of constitutional violations to win, without any evidence. Trump’s campaign projects “BIDEN ATTACKS DEMOCRACY” onto rally screens, diverting attention from his misdemeanors.
Public Opinion on Trump and Biden’s Standpoints
Democratic voters are concerned about political violence risk and view Trump as breaking public trust, according to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll. This displays in stark contrast to Republican voters’ sentiments, with 69% saying Trump did not commit serious crimes and 84% believing the charges are politically motivated.
Trump’s Claims Rejected in Midterm Elections
In 2022, voters notably rejected Trump’s false election claims during the midterm elections. His endorsed candidates’ losses prevented the Republicans from winning the Senate majority and key governor races in battleground states. Despite this, Biden’s lead against Trump among all possible voters is within the poll’s margin of error, indicating a competitive future election.
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